Trabzonspor Claim Wilshere Almost Joined Them

Muharrem Usta, Trabzonspor’s manager, claims the club held talks with England midfielder Jack Wilshere during the summer, according to the Daily Star.

Had the 25-year-old signed for the Turkish Super Lig club, it would have been his second consecutive loan spell away from north London and almost certainly signalled the end of his Arsenal career.

Instead, Wilshere is set for a return to the Gunners first team for this week’s Europa League tie against Köln. Last year saw the mercurial midfielder return to match fitness with Bournemouth and seem to be on course for a full recovery from the years of injuries which plagued his career.

His plans were interrupted when an ankle injury suffered during a Premier League match at White Hart Lane forced an early return to the Emirates. Since then and much to the approval of Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger, Wilshere worked diligently during the summer and will reap his rewards this autumn.

It’s expected that the club will offer him a new deal if all goes well but with his current contract expiring next summer, Wilshere is in a strong negotiating position.

Seeing the sums Arsenal offered Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 23, before he left for Liverpool, Wilshere must decide where his priorities lie: cash or first team football.